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Best Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in California

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2023 Best Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in California

46 Schools Ranked
$30,014 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,374 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which computer science program is right for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Computer Science Degree Search has created its Best Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in California ranking. Our analysis looked at 46 schools in California to see which bachelor's degree programs offered the best educational experiences for computer science students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in California

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California
$58,680 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named California Institute of Technology the best school in California for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you want to attend Caltech, expect to pay an average of $58,680 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Read full report on California Institute of Technology

#2

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, California
$60,703 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Harvey Mudd College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $60,703 to cover tuition and fees at Harvey Mudd College. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

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#3

Stanford University

Stanford, California
$56,169 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,926 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Stanford University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list.

The average tuition and fees at Stanford is $56,169. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $13,926 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Read full report on Stanford University

#4

Pomona College

Claremont, California
$56,686 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Pomona College is a great place for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree.

The average tuition and fees at Pomona is $56,686. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

Read full report on Pomona College

#5

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, California
$14,226 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,205 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of California - Berkeley. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list.

In-state students pay an average of $14,226 in tuition and fees if they attend UC Berkeley full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $43,980. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,205 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UC Berkeley. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of California - Berkeley Report

#6

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
$61,503 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,669 Avg Student Debt

University of Southern California came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California ranking.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $61,503 to cover tuition and fees at USC. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from USC accumulate an average of $15,669 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at USC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#7

University of California - San Diego

La Jolla, California
$14,700 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,172 Avg Student Debt

University of California - San Diego ranked #7 on this year’s Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UCSD is $14,700. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $44,454. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UCSD accumulate an average of $17,172 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UCSD does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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$10,195 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,067 Avg Student Debt

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree computer science programs.

Students from California who attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo full time pay an average of $10,195 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $28,105. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,067 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

#9

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
$14,417 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,986 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #9 on the list.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $14,417 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UCSB. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $44,171. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,986 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UCSB. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#10

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, California
$53,051 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,811 Avg Student Debt

Loyola Marymount University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree computer science programs.

The average tuition and fees at Loyola Marymount is $53,051. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,811 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Loyola Marymount is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

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#11

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, California
$13,775 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,722 Avg Student Debt

University of California - Irvine came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California ranking.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at UC Irvine is $13,775. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $43,529. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $16,722 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UC Irvine does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of California - Irvine Report

#12

University of San Diego

San Diego, California
$52,864 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,386 Avg Student Debt

University of San Diego landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree computer science programs.

If you want to attend USD, expect to pay an average of $52,864 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from USD accumulate an average of $22,386 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

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#13

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, California
$25,424 Average Tuition & Fees
$35,764 Avg Student Debt

Academy of Art University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #13 on the list.

Academy of Art University does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $25,424. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,764 in student loans.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Academy of Art University. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Academy of Art University Report

#14

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
$53,472 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,881 Avg Student Debt

University of San Francisco did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for computer science students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #14 on the list.

The average tuition and fees at USFCA is $53,472. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,881 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, USFCA is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

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#15

California Baptist University

Riverside, California
$37,018 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,767 Avg Student Debt

California Baptist University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California ranking.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $37,018 to cover tuition and fees at Cal Baptist. The school does not offer an in-state discount. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,767 in student loans.

Online courses are available at Cal Baptist, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full California Baptist University Report

#16

National University

La Jolla, California
$32,281 Avg Student Debt

National University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from National University accumulate an average of $32,281 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

National University does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 39% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

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#17

University of California - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California
$14,070 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,900 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, University of California - Santa Cruz did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree.

In-state students pay an average of $14,070 in tuition and fees if they attend UC Santa Cruz full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $43,824. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UC Santa Cruz accumulate an average of $18,900 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

One thing to take note of is that UC Santa Cruz does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full University of California - Santa Cruz Report

$7,864 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,135 Avg Student Debt

California State University - Chico came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California ranking.

Students from California who attend Chico State full time pay an average of $7,864 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,744. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,135 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that Chico State does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 100% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

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#19

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California
$41,510 Average Tuition & Fees
$27,666 Avg Student Debt

Azusa Pacific University landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree computer science programs.

Azusa Pacific does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $41,510. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,666 in student loans.

Since Azusa Pacific is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read full report on Azusa Pacific University

#20

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
$8,136 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,150 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, San Diego State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree.

In-state students pay an average of $8,136 in tuition and fees if they attend SDSU full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $20,016. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from SDSU accumulate an average of $18,150 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SDSU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

$6,817 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,841 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, California State University - Channel Islands did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Students from California who attend CSUCI full time pay an average of $6,817 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,697. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,841 in student loans.

Online courses are available at CSUCI, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#22

San Jose State University

San Jose, California
$7,852 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #22, San Jose State University did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at San Jose State is $7,852. Out-of-state students pay an average of $19,732.

One thing to take note of is that San Jose State does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 100% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#23

University of California - Riverside

Riverside, California
$13,754 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,387 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, University of California - Riverside did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $13,754 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UCR. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $43,508. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $18,387 in loans while pursuing their degree.

One thing to take note of is that UCR does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on University of California - Riverside

#24

Biola University

La Mirada, California
$26,238 Avg Student Debt

Biola University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California list.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $26,238 in loans while pursuing their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Biola does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 98% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Biola University

$7,439 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,789 Avg Student Debt

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in California ranking.

Students from California who attend Cal Poly Pomona full time pay an average of $7,439 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $19,319. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,789 in student loans.

Cal Poly Pomona does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 100% took at least some of their classes online.

Full California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Report

Best Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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